Day: November 9, 2011

Health Reform Law Clears Appeals Court Hurdle

In a Nov. 8 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed a lower court’s ruling that the U.S. Congress may require all individuals to get health coverage (the individual mandate). A circuit-court split on whether the individual mandate stands or falls makes it more likely the Supreme Court will […]

Recruiting with Facebook, Twitter, and Skype

In yesterday’s Advisor, expert Dan Ryan offered tips for successful recruiting on LinkedIn. Today, his tips about recruiting on Facebook, Twitter, and Skype, plus some good news—your HR policies are written and updated. Special from BLR’s Advanced Employment Issues Symposium Ryan, principal of Ryan Search and Consulting in Nashville, Tennessee made his remarks at BLR’s […]

HHS Kicks Off HITECH Privacy Audits

A wave of HIPAA privacy audits far more comprehensive than anything attempted to date was officially launched Nov. 8 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While their official purpose is not enforcement, these audits are likely to cast a broader net than HHS scrutiny has to date — including possibly group […]

Could IRS Dialogue With Governmental Plans Lead to More Draconian Retirement Plan Guidance?

The IRS and Treasury Department want to “initiate a dialogue” with the governmental plan community about how to better define when a retirement plan becomes a government plan, but while dialogue is good, will it result in burdensome regulatory requirements? On Nov. 8, the IRS and Treasury Department issued proposed rules on determining governmental plan […]

3 Tips for the Last Paycheck, Complying with Final Pay Laws – Part 1

Immediately upon termination of an employee, employers in California must hand over the last paycheck, paying all wages earned and unpaid at the time of discharge. Since the employer is the one initiating the termination, it is their responsibility to ensure this happens immediately. Otherwise, there will be consequences under final pay laws.

Appraisals: Not Legally Required, But Legally Recommended

Don’t tell the CEO who wants to terminate without documentation, "You can’t terminate." Say, "If there is a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for this termination, you can do it, but in the absence of documentation, there is substantial risk. I would prefer not to be married to this employee in lengthy litigation. Maybe if we do […]